UC Berkeley Press Release

Vice chancellor announces record fundraising year

From University Relations | 23 August 2006

BERKELEY – For the second year in a row, the University of California, Berkeley has set a new record for private support, reporting today (Aug. 23) that alumni, parents and friends contributed $347.6 million in the 2005-06 fiscal year.

The total breaks the previous record of $318.3 million set in 2004-05. The number of gifts to UC Berkeley also established a new benchmark at 87,803, up from 80,234 gifts contributed the previous year.

"The extended Cal family of alumni, parents and friends raise the bar once more, and through their generosity they help to strengthen Berkeley's ability to compete - and prevail - among the very best universities in the world," said Vice Chancellor for University Relations Donald McQuade, who is completing his final year in this leadership post.

Under McQuade's direction, the UC Berkeley campus has raised more than $2 billion over the course of his seven-year service as vice chancellor.

This year's success provides a solid foundation for the future, McQuade said. These results bode well for the campus's fundraising efforts as it enters what is expected to be UC Berkeley's most ambitious fundraising campaign, he said.

The $347.6 million includes contributions to benefit students and faculty directly, advancing a wide range of research, as well as boosting financial aid for undergraduate students.

Notable gifts and pledges for the fiscal year, which ended June 30, include:

$25 million, from Ann and Gordon Getty, to support campuswide teaching and research in cutting-edge biomedical science.

$25 million, pledged anonymously, to the Haas School of Business.

$15 million, including a $5 million challenge grant, from Richard C. Blum, for the Richard C. Blum Center for Developing Economies.

$8.8 million from the Henry B. and Elsie Clay Fund to support undergraduate financial aid.

A record amount, $1.8 million, also was raised online for programs across the campus through the university's Give to Cal site. This included 9,706 gifts.